Sean Dyche knows he can rely on Everton supporters as…

Sean Dyche knows he can rely on Everton supporters as relegation pressure builds

“We want to build that mentality at home, that fortress created by the fans and the way they go about it. They have been excellent. Home or away, by the way, I couldn’t question them.

"I think the team have responded at home and some of the away performances. They stepped off a little bit last week, but generally the team have responded and given the fans something to cheer about.”

Sean Dyche knows his team is stronger with the fanbase behind it. And what a fanbase it is. From the near 10,000 sell out at Old Trafford for a Friday night FA Cup tie just days after Christmas and amid a cost of living crisis, to the thousands willing to travel up and down the country to watch a side that has won just two league games on the road since the early weeks of last season, the dedication, passion and commitment is extraordinary.

Inside the four stands Everton call home, it has been the same. No one should need any help in recalling the remarkable effort that pulled the Blues to safety last season. The support has continued through this campaign. There have been moments of anxiety and tension - most notably, recently, in the nervousness that permeated Goodison Park just after survival rivals Bournemouth secured a shock win over Liverpool in the minutes before in-form Brentford were due to pose a challenge to Dyche’s team. But what happened next? A blast of a siren and an indomitable roar fuelled one of the quickest goals in Everton’s modern history, providing the foundation for a crucial three points.

There are few places like Goodison and its surroundings on a matchday. Just take a walk through the souvenir stalls, independent artwork and Everton Heritage Society expertise that bursts from St Luke’s or take in a ‘calm before the storm’ cup of tea at the Goodison Cafe (or something stronger at the Winslow or elsewhere) and there is a buzz that comes from one place only - the people of all ages and backgrounds that walk the streets of L4 to wear their hearts on their sleeves and do their best to ensure those in Royal Blue do the same.

In recent months there has been a new focal point to add to the intensity that grows as kick-off approaches. Pre-match protest marches have held firm since they started earlier this year. This afternoon, ahead of the game with Fulham, a section of the Blues fanbase will march up Spellow Lane again as they campaign for serious concerns about the management of Everton to be addressed. That so many people are willing to dedicate their time and energy to making their club better is evidence of the underlying strength of this great institution.

This was on show once again this week as supporters met online to discuss how best to continue highlighting their concerns. Views came from a variety of groups, from the Shareholders’ Association that is continuing its plea for the restoration of general meetings through to fan media sites like Toffee TV and View from the Bullens, whose impressive growth means the platform for Blues to share their opinions is expanding. Discussions were open, honest and heartfelt. This was a sensible, respectful conversation among people who care.

There will be people reading this who agree with those behind the demonstrations calling for change. There will be people who hold alternative opinions. What no-one can deny is that at the heart of all that is going on, Everton’s fanbase is not a dormant one. And that is a good thing. Everyone involved wants the very best for the club even where they may disagree over what that is and how to achieve it. Whatever happens in the future, no-one should be in any doubt that Everton will be strongest if it can harness that passion. Effective engagement is a necessity, not a choice.

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